Out of Darkness

Have you ever experienced an indescribable low in your life, where the darkness and numbness overwhelm you?

Have you ever felt so insecure and insignificant that you wondered if it would matter if you existed in this world anymore?

I recently felt this deep darkness that I could not describe and did not know why it was happening. I was suffering from depression and this was a side effect of one of my medications that I was not aware of. I have never felt that low in my entire life. It literally feels as if you are living underneath a constant rain cloud and you can see the sun but you can not feel the warmth of its rays.

My heart was awakened and a great weight was lifted off of my soul. My uncontrollable emotions and insecure heart were filled with the grace and love of God. He knows my innermost feelings and is always, always standing right there beside me. He understands why I am going through the things that I am, even when I do not. He is my strength and hope. He helps me carry on.

I am thoroughly blessed by Him. Looking back over this past year I am able to see how God has directed and guided my life. He has provided me with a wonderful community of people who never cease to amaze me with their love, encouragement, and hearts for God. If I had followed my plan, I never would have found this. He has filled me with His never-ending love and continues to encourage me and help me grow in my faith. He is my strength in my weakness and the comforter in the storm. He is my rock and will keep me from crumbling. He fills me with unexplainable joy and peace and makes me alive again. I am forever grateful for the many wonderful relationships, opportunities, and love that He has provided for me. God is love.

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Philippians 4:4-9

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."